Time to celebrate the benefits that the EU brings to its members

On 25 March 2017, the European Union will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome that created the European Economic Community (EEC) – the common market – and more importantly set the foundations of today’s European Union. This anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome marks a key opportunity to celebrate the benefits that the European Union brings to its members, enterprises, workers and citizens. Together, industriAll European Trade Union and the Council of European Employers of the Metal, Engineering, and Technology-based industries underline in their joint declaration the need for a responsible and objective discussion on the importance of the European project.

70 years of peace and democracy

The European Union has contributed to maintaining the longest ever period of peace in Europe. The rule of law, democracy, human rights, the single market and the Charter of Fundamental rights must not be taken for granted, by generations; young and old. We all need to develop better ways of communicating to all European citizens and informing them of the values and benefits the European Union offers for all.

A region of more than 500 million citizens that have lived in peace and democracy for 70 years and that over 60 years developed the biggest Single Market in the world supporting growth and jobs - the European Union is today under unprecedented political and economic pressure.

The economic situations in the member states still differ for many reasons, which go hand in hand with diverging individual circumstances of European citizens. We face a challenge to create employment and social stability in every member state. We have to work to continue to reduce inequalities and increase opportunities for all citizens, to participate in the economic prosperity the EU has helped to create, and to benefit from -sustainable- social security systems. We also have to prepare European workers and especially our next generations to be fit for the challenges ahead of us and use globalisation and digitalisation as a driver for new and better jobs.

Now is the time to stand together and support our European project, to make it a success story for the next 60 years and beyond. In a world where some forms of populism try to (re-)erect physical and mental walls, it is our responsibility to stand up for our model of freedom and for our common values. We must work hand in hand with our partner countries on new technologies, joint technological standards and a common infrastructure. We should concentrate our efforts on growth, innovation and more inclusive prosperity for all. These are the prerequisites for crisis-proof, future-proof and well-paid jobs.

READ THE FULL DECLARATION

IndustriAll European Trade Union represents the voice of 7 million working men and women across supply chains in manufacturing, mining and energy sectors across Europe. We aim to protect and advance the rights of the workers. Our federation has 177 trade union affiliates in 38 European countries. Our objective is to be a powerful player in the European political arena vis-à-vis European companies, European industries, employers’ associations and European institutions.